Senior NBMCH doctor tests positive for COVID-19

Siliguri: Amid the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, a senior doctor from the Physiology Department of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) has tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first confirmed case in the city. The case has triggered concerns of potential exposure within the hospital community and beyond.

According to hospital sources, the doctor, who had been experiencing persistent cold and cough symptoms, underwent a COVID-19 test at the hospital on Monday. Despite being symptomatic, the doctor had reported for duty, visited several departments, interacted with staff, and even saw patients at a private consultation chamber before receiving a positive test result later the same day.

The doctor had close interactions with several senior hospital officials, including the acting principal and the superintendent. In addition to fulfilling departmental duties, the physician also saw patients in a private clinic. “I have tested positive and am currently under home treatment,” the doctor confirmed.

Despite the potential for significant exposure, by Tuesday evening, no large-scale contact-tracing or containment efforts had been launched at NBMCH. Officials admitted that testing is currently limited to symptomatic individuals, which has contributed to a reduction in the number of tests being conducted overall.

Also Read: Kerala Private Hospitals step up COVID protocols amid rising cases

The matter was reportedly discussed at a recent meeting of the hospital's patient welfare committee. Speaking to Telegraph India, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb confirmed, “All departments have been asked to follow standard operating procedures issued by the state.”

Medical experts at NBMCH suspect that the recent surge in cases may be linked to emerging Omicron sub-variants. An official noted that states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi are witnessing similar trends, and West Bengal appears to be entering a similar phase.

Also Read: Fresh COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala, Gujarat, Haryana

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported from three states in India, with Kerala recording the highest number of infections so far this month. According to the latest data, Kerala, Gujarat, and Haryana have all confirmed new cases, but hospitalisation rates remain low as many patients exhibit only mild symptoms.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India reported 4,026 active COVID-19 cases and five deaths in the last 24 hours.

“Health authorities have attributed the recent uptick in infections to Omicron sub-variants such as BA. 1.8.1 and JN.1, which are considered mild and manageable with standard precautions. While some states are reporting a rise in cases, hospitalisation rates remain low,” said sources, reports Telegraph India.